As a Realtor, I get so many pieces of marketing material by mail and through email, that I often find myself ignoring them.  Today, I actually read one of the emails from a local Realtors' association, and I actually found a helpful reminder regarding landlords' consideration of tenant applications. 

 

In Texas, the property code allows owners seven days to respond to a rental application.  After seven days, the application is deemed rejected.  Landlords are also required to supply applicants with tenant-selection criteria, and if they fails to do so, is required to refund the application fees of any rejected tenants. 

 

In my experience, many landlords and agents have let these requirements fall by the wayside.  It is important to remember that these requirements are meant to protect both tenants and landlords and help keep landlords accountable.  I for one, am going to help my landlord clients develop specific tenant-selection criteria and will encourage them to keep applicants informed of the criteria.